1971 Omega Flightmaster 145.026 "Transitional"

Historical Context

The Omega Flightmaster holds a legendary status in 1970s horological design, developed specifically for modern commercial and long-haul pilots. During the shift between 1970 and 1971, Omega transitioned from the initial Ref. 145.013 (powered by the Caliber 910 with a 24-hour subdial) to the Ref. 145.026 (powered by the Caliber 911 featuring a constant running-seconds subdial).

This particular piece represents an ultra-rare, "Transitional" anomaly from early 1971. Sitting at serial 31.636.xxx, it places right within the earliest documented batch of Caliber 911 production (which began at 31.636.000). During this very narrow early production window, Omega utilized newly introduced Caliber 911 movements while continuing to clear stock of factory-stamped 145.013 casebacks. Most notably, the dial utilizes leftover stock of the early "A4 / Pre-Series" dial base plate produced by Singer—printed for the Caliber 911, but completely lacking the twin tritium dots flanking the 12 o'clock index. This un-lumed 12 o'clock setup represents an extremely brief manufacturing overlap before standard B-series production settled into double-dot application, making it a highly desirable reference for specialized vintage Omega collectors.

Design & Aesthetics

Designed with maximum cockpit legibility in mind, the heavy pilot-style case provides substantial wrist presence while maintaining dynamic 1970s ergonomics. The matte dark gray dial is framed by an internal rotating timing bezel operated by the auxiliary crown. Crisp white chronograph subdial hands contrast with the distinctive, color-coded internal movement controls. The subdial at 9 o'clock features the 0–60 running seconds scale for the Caliber 911, while the main dial layout retains the ultra-clean, dot-free top index track—a pristine, untouched layout that sets this transitional piece apart from standard production models.

CONDITION:

Dial & Hands: The watch features 'transitional' dial in the very rare "no dots at 12" configuration, with no surface degradation or repainting.  Tritium lume across the hour batons and hands shows uniform, matching aging with no ghosting, scraping, or artificial re-luming.

Case: The pilot case remains unpolished, preserving its sharp original contours and factory finishing, though surface scratches are present on both top and bottom sections as highlighted in the detailed photographs. The original screw-down caseback is correctly stamped with reference 145.013; its exterior Flightmaster flight engraving has worn down over time through gentle wear, but remains clearly visible. The chronograph pushers have been replaced during prior maintenance.

Movement: The manual-wind Omega Caliber 911 movement appears to have been recently service, with all chronograph functions, subdial registers, running seconds, and the independent GMT hand setting and operating smoothly. It is running exceptionally strong on the timegrapher at -4 seconds per day with a 322° amplitude.

Bracelet:  The watch comes fitted on a period-correct authentic Omega 1162 stainless steel bracelet with 172 end links, sizing up to an 8-inch wrist. 

SPECIFICATIONS:

Model: Flightmaster "Transitional" Reference: 145.013 (Caseback) / 145.026 (Transitional configuration)

Serial Number: 31.636.XXX (Early ~1971 batch)

Dial: Original matte grey "No-Dot 12" Singer transitional dial

Caliber: Omega Caliber 911 (Manual-wind chronograph with running seconds and dual time zone)

Case Diameter: 43mm Lug Width: 22mm

Bracelet / Strap: Omega 1162 bracelet with 172 end links (Fits up to 8" wrist)

Crystal: Curved Mineral glass